Police and fire: A mother and son are dead in what police have ruled a murder-suicide. The son, 13-year-old Ben Barnhard, is remembered by a friend as a sweet kid who loved video games and making others laugh.

Government: Last week, the U.S. staved off debt default by passing an extension of the debt ceiling. Here's what Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Kensington Democrat, had to say on the House floor. Also, supporters of Maryland's DREAM Act are suing to disqualify signatures collected against the law.

Schools: In July, the Board of Education voted to approve Montgomery County's first charter school. Our columnist Richard Parsons says this was the right move for the county.